Spring is one of the best times of year for extended family photos in Utah. The weather is comfortable, the mountains turn green again, and the soft evening light creates a timeless, glowing backdrop for meaningful family portraits.
Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a large extended family session at Lambert Park in Alpine, and it was such a perfect example of why spring is an incredible season for gathering multiple generations together.
Why Spring is Perfect for Extended Family Photos in Utah
Coordinating schedules for a large family can be challenging, which is why spring often works so well. Between holidays and summer vacations, this season creates a natural window for everyone to come together.
Some of the biggest benefits of spring extended family sessions include:
- Mild temperatures for children and grandparents
- Beautiful green mountain scenery
- Soft golden sunset lighting
- Comfortable outfits without heavy layers
- Fewer scheduling conflicts than summer
Spring sessions also feel symbolic — growth, family connection, and new seasons of life.
Lambert Park in Alpine, Utah: A Stunning Extended Family Location
Lambert Park is one of my favorite locations for large family photography in Utah County. It offers:
- Mountain views
- Open grassy fields
- Natural trails
- Beautiful sunset light
- Plenty of space for large group combinations
For extended families, space matters. This location allows room for movement while still creating an intimate, connected feel in photos. The neutral greens and earth tones also coordinate beautifully with a wide variety of clothing colors, which is especially helpful when photographing multiple families together.
How Extended Family Sessions Work
Many people feel nervous about planning photos with a large group, but the process is actually very smooth with preparation. During this session, we captured:
- The entire extended family together
- Grandparents with all grandchildren
- All the grandchildren
- Individual family units
- Sibling groups
- Cousins together
- Grandparents alone
- Parent + adult children combinations
- Portraits of each individual
Having a clear plan ensures we get every important grouping efficiently while still leaving room for candid moments and connection.
What to Wear for Spring Extended Family Photos
- Coordinating outfits for a large group can feel overwhelming, but a simple color palette makes a huge difference. For spring sessions, I recommend:
- Soft neutrals (cream, tan, light gray)
- Earth tones (sage, dusty blue, muted greens)
- Light pastels for seasonal softness
- Flowing dresses for women
- Layers and texture for depth
The goal is coordination — not everyone wearing the same thing. I always help families plan outfits ahead of time so the final gallery looks cohesive and timeless.
Why Extended Family Photos Matter
Extended family sessions are about more than portraits — they capture legacy.
These images become:
- Heirlooms for future generations
- Gifts for grandparents
- Memories of relationships between cousins
- Documentation of family growth over time
One of the most meaningful parts of this Alpine session was watching grandparents surrounded by their children and grandchildren — moments that become priceless over the years.
Extended Family Photographer in Utah County and Salt Lake County
I photograph extended family sessions throughout northern Utah, including:
- Utah County
- Salt Lake County
- Alpine
- Highland
- Lehi
- Draper
- Surrounding mountain locations
My approach focuses on genuine connection, relaxed posing, and capturing both the big group portraits and the emotional in-between moments that make families unique. If you’re planning a family reunion or gathering and looking for an extended family photographer in Utah, spring is an incredible time to document your family together.